Though the BJP, in partnership with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has managed to retain control of municipal corporation, the party's base has shrunken considerably in the Hindu-dominated Patiala.

Though the BJP, in partnership with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), has managed to retain the civic body house, the party's base has shrunken considerably in the Hindu-dominated city.

Patiala has more than 65% Hindu population, but the BJP's individual tally in the municipal corporation elections has come down from nine to seven this time round.

In fact, in the polls held for four civic bodies in Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, the saffron party fared the poorest in the Royal City despite enjoying "all kind of support" from all quarters, including the administration.

The party contested 15 seats in the 50-member house and ended up losing in eight wards. In all the wards the BJP lost, its candidates failed to provide a tough competition to the opposition.

In ward number 7, the BJP candidate Varinder Batra ended up on fourth position, while in ward number 16, BJP's Dinesh Kumar finished a poor fifth, bagging only 204 votes.

In ward number 25, Rajinder Kumar came third with the party managing only 673 votes.

The biggest shock for the party was its district president (urban) Arun Gupta's defeat. A senior BJP leader, Gupta lost by a considerable margin to the Congress candidate.

Among the BJP candidates, only sitting deputy mayor Anil Bajaj emerged victorious with a thumping margin. If rumours are to be believed, the BJP's comparatively dismal performance in the polls might cost the party deputy mayor's post.

Sources say the SAD district leadership has planned to demand the post of deputy mayor after the BJP's poor show.

"However, the final decision in this regard would be taken only when the co-ordination committee of the both parties meet before the announcement of nominees," said a senior SAD leader.

He said that giving two posts to the BJP, which won only seven seats out of 15, would be giving them more than their due.

As per the alliance formula till now, the mayor would be from the SAD whereas the BJP would keep the post of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor.

When contacted about the dismal performance of the party, state general secretary Kamal Sharma said the party would introspect the outcome of the polls soon.

A local BJP leader, holding an important post in the party, said on the condition of anonymity that SAD leaders did not pay due attention in the wards contested by the BJP.